Monday, January 22, 2018

Five Books I Want To Read This Year

Photo by my dear friend  Lindsey Wiatt Photography

At the very beginning of this year, Eric and I sat down and made goals for the year.  We split our goals into four categories: family goals, marriage goals, parenting goals, and individual goals.  Within minutes we filled out an entire sheet of paper!  It was such a great exercise and was also a nice moment to stop and focus on what matters most to us.  Most of the things we wrote down were goals, but some were our hopes and dreams.  We taped the list up on a shelf in our closet so that we see it every morning.

One of the individual goals I wrote down for myself was to start reading books again.  As in books for myself, not story time for my kiddos.  Before I had children, I was an avid reader.  Since having children, I haven't read much beyond picture books.  Finding time to read isn't easy when you have little ones.  Over the last few weeks I've been trying to find a little time to read every day and I've realized that early in the morning is usually the only time I can squeeze it in.  Waking up before my kids and giving up that little bit of sleep can be rough, but I always feel better when I start my day doing a few small things for myself (like reading, showering, and exercising).

I've had a list of books that I've been wanting to read for awhile and I'm hoping to read them all this year!  I want to read these books in hopes of bettering myself as a wife, mother, and overall happy person.  I would love to squeeze in a fun book too, I just haven't found one that I want to read yet!

Five Books I Want To Read This Year

1. From This Day Forward by Craig and Amy Groeschel
This is actually the book I am reading right now.  Our church is doing a five week marriage series and this book ties along with the sermons.  While I am very happy in my marriage, I believe there is always room for improvement!  I love being reminded to live in the 'right now' and not to take our everyday exchanges for granted.

2. Hope Unfolding by Becky Thompson
One of my best friends bought me this book as a gift and I actually started it and then had to pause to read the marriage book that our church is reading.  I cannot wait to get back to this book.  Hope Unfolding is a grace filled truth for the mamas soul.  It reminds mamas that even though they answer to little people all day, they are not alone.  That tomorrow is a new day, but you can find hope and purpose in today.  Becky Thompson also wrote a book called Love Unending that is about rediscovering your marriage in the midst of motherhood, that one looks really good too!

I so need to read this book.  Sometimes I get so excited about things, I get caught up in making everything bigger and better.  One of our goals this year is to live more simply.  To focus on what really matters most and pour our hearts and souls into that.

This book is the opposite of the latest parenting strategy or techniques, but focuses on leaning on God and giving ourselves grace.  

5. The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
I've heard amazing things about this book!  It is about praying circles around your biggest dreams and greatest fears.  I cannot wait to read it!

I am also reading a daily devotional called 365 Devotions to Embrace What Matters Most by John Michalak.  It's only a page a day so it's been really easy to keep up with!

Xo, 
Marisa

1 comment :

  1. Love the "Goals" idea, I might steal it! Before I read your post, I thought, "I should tell her about the Parenting book by Paul David Tripp" so I'm glad I saw it on your list!! SOOO good. I've also read the Circle Maker and really liked it. Going to have to check out the others on your list.

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